No Sonata hybrid for Oz

Hyundai has confirmed it will produce a hybrid version of its new Sonata, fitted with an upgraded petrol-electric powertrain that will also power other models in the range.

However, the more efficient new hybrid drivetrain will not appear in the redesigned mid-size sedan to be launched in Australia in early February because, like its predecessor, the new Sonata hybrid will not be produced in right-hand drive.

Revealing it at its annual powertrain conference held in Namyang (Sth Korea), Hyundai has confirmed the new hybrid unit "will be fitted to future Hyundai hybrids, including the all-new Sonata". Next year's all-new ix35 mid-size expected to be another candidate.

Before then, however, motoring.com.au understands the existing Sonata (pictured) will be upgraded with the new hybrid unit, and that Hyundai has no current plans to produce any hybrid models for RHD markets including Australia.

So far only three four-cylinder petrol engines have been announced for the new Sonata sedan -- a turbocharged 2.0-litre and naturally aspirated 2.0 and 2.4-litre -- but Hyundai is yet to announce which engines it will offer locally from February.

Also unclear is the Australian future of the mid-size i40 sedan and wagon, both of which are currently sold here with 2.0-litre petrol and 1.7-litre diesel engines.

Hyundai Australia could keep only the i40 diesel sedan and wagon to pitch at families, leaving the Sonata to be pitched at fleets. Either way, expect the Australian i40 line-up to be trimmed.

Hyundai's new hybrid powertrain incorporates a brand-new six-speed automatic transmission that once again integrates an electric motor "and applies a number of new technologies that deliver tangible benefits to the customer".

Chief among the changes is an electric oil pump inside the gearbox, which Hyundai says eliminates hydraulic power losses and improves fuel efficiency. The new transmission is lighter before at 130kg (wet) and is rated for up to 280Nm.

Other upgrades for the hybrid system include a new traction motor, lighter torsion damper and more efficient engine clutch.

No other details have been revealed, but the previous Sonata hybrid employed an Atkinson-cycle 2.4-litre engine delivering 126kW/212Nm. Combined with a 30kW electric motor, it consumed between 7.2-7.6L/100km.

Hyundai also used its annual powertrain conference to reveal details about its new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, which will power the second-generation i20. That car too is yet to be confirmed for Australia.

Producing 88kW/172Nm, the Korean giant's new downsized turbo triple is Euro 6 emissions-compliant and features direct fuel-injection with up to 200 bar of pressure, an electronically controlled turbo wastegate, exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder-head and separate cooling systems for the head and the engine block.